Dwarf rotala (Rotala rotundifolia) care guide

Group
Plants
Other names
Roundleaf toothcup, Rotala indica, Pink rotala
Family
Lythraceae (loosestrife family)
Origin
South and South-east Asia (India, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam)
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
30 cm
Temperature
18–28°C
pH
6–7.5
Care level
beginner
Lighting
Low to medium light; CO2 not needed

Care

Dwarf rotala is one of the easiest Rotala and a common weed of rice paddies and wet places in South and South-east Asia. Its name means round-leaved, but that only fits the emersed (marsh) form; underwater it grows long, narrow leaves. Tropica rates it easy, with low light and CO2 needs; it reaches about 15–30 cm or more in two months. It branches freely and soon becomes compact and bushy. Plant it in groups in the midground or background. Good light turns the tips pink to deep wine-red. Prune often, because the lower leaves lose light once the bush is dense. Tropica also sells the cultivars 'Blood Red', 'Green' and "H'ra". Tropica gives Rotala indica as another name in the trade. Wikipedia notes it tolerates cool water, and it flowers with pale pink spikes when grown emersed. Tropica does not give water figures. Water figures are our estimate, not from the sources. Never release this plant or dispose of it in drains or waterways; it is invasive in some countries (it has been introduced in the United States). Sources: Tropica (tropica.com/en/plants); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotalarotundifolia); Wikipedia, List of freshwater aquarium plant species. Checked October 2026.

Breeding

Cut off the tops and replant them; trimmed stems send out side shoots. Creeping stems can also be separated.

Compatibility and tank mates

Hardy; plant-eating fish may graze the tips. Suits most community and shrimp tanks, including slightly cooler ones.

Last updated 8 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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